GANGTOK,: State BJP while demanding an ED probe on the alleged Rs. 69 crores scam
at State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has also sought the sacking of bank’s Managing
Director (MD) Phurba Wangdi Bhutia for allegedly doubling up as a SKM worker.
Addressing
a press meet here on Thursday, State BJP spokesperson Passang Sherpa said the
Rs. 69 crores embezzlement happened due to the negligence of the “purported” MD
of the SBS. He maintained that Phurba Wangdi had joined the SKM during the
recent elections after “resigning” from government service and also gave a
speech from the SKM political platform.
“Phurba
Wangdi must clarify to the Sikkimese society whether he is the SBS MD or a SKM
worker. People are confused, he is giving speeches in a political function and
after elections, the same person is the MD of the State Bank of Sikkim. It was
due to his carelessness that this scam happened in the SBS,” said the State BJP
spokesperson.
Sherpa
said that the SBS MD should be dismissed from government service immediately.
“He has no
moral right to stay as the MD. He has already given speech from a political
platform after joining the political party. How he became a government employee
again immediately after the election, this is a huge question of the Sikkimese
society,” said the State BJP spokesperson.
Passang
also held Chief Minister PS Golay, who holds the Finance portfolio, and the
State chief secretary, who is also the Finance secretary, accountable for the
SBS scam. The Chief Minister and chief secretary, both of whom are looking
after the Finance department, did not do their work properly leading to this
scam in the SBS, he said.
“People
have lost their faith on SBS due to scam…they are feeling insecure to deposit
their money in the bank. The SBS has been developed as the biggest money
laundering centre by the SKM and hence we demand an investigation by the ED,
Gangtok division. Three SBS officials are made as sacrificial lambs. The ED
must probe the aspects of political involvement and also the involvement of the
MD as a party worker,” said the State BJP spokesperson.
Asked on
whether the latest scam would strengthen voices for the SBS to be brought under
RBI regulations, Sherpa said the State BJP is clear that the bank should remain
protected under Article 371F.
“BJP is
clear, as also committed in our election manifesto, that Article 371F must be
fully implemented in Sikkim. All old laws of Sikkim are protected under Article
371F including the 1969 proclamation for establishing the SBS. We are clear
that the bank must run as per the proclamation and Article 371F. There are no
problems in the bank but the problems are created by the management and
government leading to this situation. Our demand is that ED must investigate
and take legal action against those involved. This will also strengthen and
protect the bank,” he said.
